A MILESTONE FOR SUSTAINABILITY
Tuath Housing and Cairn have unveiled a landmark Passivhaus Housing development in Santry
Tuath Housing and Cairn have announced the completion of Whitehaven, a landmark residential development in Northwood, Santry, Dublin 9. The scheme provides 255 new homes across five buildings, as well as an indoor communal area, multiple play spaces and landscaped gardens. The apartments are designed and constructed to Passivhaus standards, making it one of Ireland’s first major Passivhaus housing developments provided by an Approved Housing Body (AHB).
Passivhaus is a building standard that achieves extreme energy efficiency and thermal comfort through a set of rigorous design principles. Each apartment is equipped with energy-efficient systems including mechanical ventilation with heat recovery, hot water heat pumps and high-performance insulation.
The result is lower carbon emissions, greater thermal comfort and reduced energy costs for residents. This design is expected to achieve average energy cost savings of approximately €15,000 per apartment, amounting to over €4 million in total savings across the lifetime of the scheme.
Built for community
Whitehaven provides 255 cost rental and social homes to meet the growing local demand for secure, sustainable housing. Residents will benefit from the development’s close proximity to Dublin city centre and the M50, as well as Dublin City University, schools and community facilities.
Whitehaven was developed by Tuath and Cairn in partnership with Fingal County Council. Funding support for the project came from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage through the Cost Rental Equity Loan (CREL) scheme and private finance via the Housing Finance Agency (HFA). Cost rental homes will be allocated to eligible middle-income applicants, while social homes will be allocated via Fingal County Council’s housing list. Martin Loughran, Chief Commercial Officer, Tuath Housing said: “The completion of these homes at Whitehaven marks a significant milestone for Tuath and for sustainable social and cost rental housing across Ireland. This project showcases what can be achieved when innovation, collaboration and environmental responsibility come together. By providing homes that set a new benchmark for energy efficiency, comfort and affordability, we are not just building for today, we are building a more sustainable future for our residents and communities.”
Ger Hoare, Cairn Chief Investment Officer, said: “Cairn is proud to partner with Tuath Housing in delivering 255 much-needed, affordable homes in Santry. These new apartments will provide affordable living in a high-quality development, with reduced heating costs and thoughtfully designed amenity spaces that showcase how apartment living can support the modern lifestyles of the 650 residents. We’re excited to introduce one of our first Passivhaus apartments to the market – a milestone in our commitment to sustainable
construction. Our shared vision with Tuath Housing has made this collaboration a meaningful step forward in building greener communities.”
GRAHAM TO BUILD IRELAND’S ONLY PASSIVHAUS STANDARD LEISURE FACILITY
Construction company GRAHAM has commenced work on Ireland’s only Passivhaus standard leisure facility at the Fermanagh Lakeland Forum in Enniskillen. The redevelopment is designed to meet the highest environmental and sustainability standards, aligning with the Passivhaus criteria. The investment will, says the company, transform the current Fermanagh Lakeland Forum site, creating a facility that aims to foster healthy lifestyles and community engagement, offering inclusive and accessible spaces for all age groups. It will include an eight-lane 25m swimming pool, a learner pool, a splash pad for children, a gym and fitness suite, and various community and multipurpose spaces.
Additional amenities include a soft play and sensory room, a destination playpark, a pump track and trails for cycling, walking and running. An active waterfront area and improved pedestrian access to Enniskillen town centre are also part of the plan.
GRAHAM regional director, Gerry Rowe, said: “We are delighted to move to construction phase with this transformative project, which will feature Ireland’s only Passivhaus-certified leisure centre, pushing the boundaries of environmental sustainability. It’s an exciting opportunity to create a state-of-the-art facility that will enhance local health, wellness and recreation and set a new standard in sustainable development.” The new leisure hub is set to open in 2028.
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Michael McDonnell Managing Editor of Irish Construction Industry Magazine & Plan Magazine
